Fish nocturnal

Nursehound

Scyliorhinus stellaris

A master of disguise among the kelp, the Nursehound is a striking, large-spotted catshark that brings a touch of prehistoric mystery to our coastal waters. Known for its docility and beautiful markings, it is a favorite for underwater observers and night-time explorers.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Typically 1.2 to 1.6 m (3.9 to 5.2 ft) in length; weights range from 5 to 10 kg (11 to 22 lbs).

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Colors

Creamy brown or grayish base color covered in large, prominent dark brown or black spots, occasionally interspersed with small white dots. The underside is a uniform pale white or light grey.

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Key Features

Broad, rounded head with a robust body
Large, widely spaced dark spots across the entire back and sides
Nasal skin flaps that are distinct and do not reach the mouth
Two dorsal fins located significantly far back on the body

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern nocturnal

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Peak hours 10 PM - 4 AM

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Season Year-round, with peak shallow-water sightings during spring spawning (March-July).

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Diet A benthic feeder that primarily hunts crustaceans (crabs and lobsters), mollusks such as large sea snails, and small bony fish or smaller sharks.

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Habitat Coastal waters with rocky substrates, kelp forests, and areas with heavy algal cover, typically at depths of 20–60 meters.

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Behavior

The nursehound is a nocturnal predator that spends its daylight hours tucked away in rocky crevices or nestled among thick kelp forests. Unlike many of its more active shark relatives, this species is a 'sit-and-wait' or slow-cruising hunter, relying on its excellent sense of smell to track down prey along the seafloor during the dark hours. They are generally solitary creatures, though they may congregate in specific areas that offer prime shelter from stronger currents.

While they are members of the shark family, nursehounds are known for their docile nature toward humans. Divers often encounter them resting motionlessly on the seabed. However, they are powerful for their size and have very rough, sandpaper-like skin (dermal denticles) and strong jaws, so they should be observed with respect. In the spring and summer, females move into shallower waters to attach their tough, leathery egg cases—commonly known as 'mermaids' purses'—to seaweed and upright structures.

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Camera Tips

Capturing a nursehound on camera requires a specialized underwater setup, as these are marine animals. For those with 'blue backyards'—coastal piers or rocky shorelines—the most effective method is using a submersible trail camera or an action camera in a waterproof housing with an external battery pack. Position your camera near the base of a rocky reef or at the edge of a kelp forest, as nursehounds use these features as highways for nighttime hunting. The camera should be angled slightly upward or horizontally across a flat sandy patch adjacent to the rocks to catch the shark's silhouette as it cruises by.

Since nursehounds are strictly nocturnal, high-quality infrared (IR) lighting is essential. White light can startle marine life and cause backscatter (reflecting off particles in the water), whereas IR or low-glow red LEDs are less intrusive and provide a clearer view of the shark's unique spot patterns. Set your camera to record video rather than stills; the undulating movement of a shark is much easier to identify than a blurred photo in dark water. Use a high frame rate if possible to ensure the footage is smooth.

To guarantee a visit, use a scent-based lure. A mesh 'bait bag' filled with oily fish like mackerel or sardines, secured firmly in front of the camera (but not blocking the lens), will draw nursehounds from down-current. Ensure your rig is heavily weighted—at least 5-10kg—to prevent it from being moved by tides or the curiosity of larger marine life. In the spring, you can also place cameras near vertical seaweed structures to capture rare footage of females depositing their egg cases.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Nursehound.

Small-spotted catshark

Much smaller in size with tiny, dense freckle-like spots; its nasal flaps extend all the way to the mouth.

Smooth-hound

Lacks the prominent dark spots of the nursehound and has a more uniform grey/brown color and a more 'classic' shark profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, nursehounds are not considered dangerous to humans. They are generally shy and sluggish during the day. However, they have very rough skin and a strong grip, so they should not be handled if encountered while diving or fishing.

The best way to attract a nursehound is using a mesh bait bag filled with oily fish like mackerel, smashed crabs, or squid. The scent will travel with the current and lead the shark directly to your camera lens.

While both are catsharks, the nursehound (Greater Spotted Dogfish) is much larger and has larger, more distinct dark spots. A key anatomical difference is the nasal flaps: in nursehounds, these do not reach the mouth, whereas in the small-spotted dogfish, they do.

You can often find their empty egg cases, known as 'mermaids' purses', washed up on beaches after storms. They are larger than those of the small-spotted dogfish and have long, curly tendrils used to snag onto seaweed.

Nursehounds are primarily nocturnal. They are most active during the dead of night, usually between 10 PM and 4 AM, when they leave their rocky hiding spots to forage for food.

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